This was billed to be a high scoring match between two of the league’s most attack-minded teams. Heading into this match, the Panthers had beaten Patna only twice in seven attempts. But more importantly Jaipur captain, Jasvir Singh was missing from the squad due to an injury.

The Pirates started slowly and were on zero points after the first five minutes. Some poor defending meant Jaipur took an early 3-0 lead. But Pardeep Narwal ensured his side’s empty streak didn’t last for long courtesy a diving hand touch. He followed it up by taking out two Jaipur players as he cartwheeled his way onto his half.

The Panthers were reluctant to take any kind of risk in the first half. Their negative approach meant they were down to three men within the first ten minutes. But, the relatively unknown, Tushal Patil then bamboozled his way past the Patna defence to secure two raid points and make it 7-5 to the men in Pink.

At the other end, Narwal kept teasing the Jaipur defence and ensured his side were hot on the opposition’s heels. He kept targeting the left corner and levelled the scores at 8-8. But Shabeer Bapu and Parvesh executed a super tackle on Pardeep immediately.

The visitors did extremely well to not give in to the raider’s persistent pressure. They then took out Kuldeep in a do or die raid to take a 12-8 lead.

HT- Patna Pirates 10 - Jaipur Pink Panthers 12

The Panthers began the second half in fine fashion. They executed another super tackle on Pardeep Narwal. After 23 minutes, Shabeer Bapu had just one successful raid to his name in 10 attempts but he contributed in the defence department regularly.

Rajesh Mondal was then sent to the bench from a do or die raid. Jaipur were now leading 16-11 and Patna were now down to just three men. They regularly failed in their do or die attempts. The Panthers were playing the game at pedestrian pace. They were in no mood to take unnecessary risks despite the home side being down to three men.

Pardeep Narwal was now on the bench for 13 minutes from 26. But he came on and immediately scored from a do or die raid to reduce the deficit to just one. That was his seventh point of the match. Interestingly, Patna Pirates never led in the match but finally levelled the score with eight minutes to go. The score read 17-17.

Shabeer Bapu then picked up his second super tackle, taking our Pardeep Narwal again. His defensive skills came to the fore tonight. Something which we’ve rarely seen and the game was now delicately poised.

Rajesh Narwal was then tackled in a do or die raid to again reduce the deficit to one. But Shabeer Bapu and company executed another super tackle on Rajesh Mondal. Shabeer was executing the role of captain, Jasvir played exceptionally well tonight. The timing of his tackles was commendable considering his left arm was strapped heavily.

At the other end, Atrachali was a beast with his ankle holds. Jaipur were now down to three and unbelievably, the Panthers executed another super tackle. Their efficiency was mind boggling. Three minutes left and Jaipur were now leading 23-19. The match finally ended in the favour of Pink Panthers 21-26.